Coding, Computers, & Generative Art

This winter I am teaching a class on visual communication and one of the projects for the class will likely be a quick exploration of generative art.  This is art that is created using computer code and then “unleashed” on the computer such that the computer keeps on processing the code in a looping fashion along with some random data input.

The computer IDE called “Processing” is a great tool for starters and I recommend giving it a try.

Because of the random input, the image keeps morphing in an infinite loop.  I had known of the technique for some time but I was inspired to try my hand at it as a result of the Hunt Library LiberactV conference last month at NC State University.  Lucas T Swick out of Portland Oregon and his award-winning political art piece on college students and homelessness called “Community Gardens” was what got me moving on the project.  Based on its power, I felt compelled to add it to my upcoming class here at the University of Oregon PSC Vizlab.

Here is my take on the initial code by Ruiwen Guo:

And here is a peak at the code: